Fall Back Safely: A Baja Guide to Preventing Falls at Home

eastcapehomehealth
Oct 23
3 min read

A story from right here on the East Cape:

Last November in La Ribera, Don Pedro (79) got up at 2 a.m. to let his new puppy out. In the dim hallway, a bit of sand on the tile plus a loose flip-flop was all it took- his toe caught the shower curb and he went down. No fracture, but the fear that followed changed everything: he stopped showering unless someone was home, skipped his morning beach walks, and within two weeks felt weaker and more unsteady. After a PT session and a nurse-led home safety sweep -motion night lights, non-slip mat, a grab bar, and switching to back-strap sandals, his confidence returned, and there’ve been no repeat falls. One small fix, at the right time, changed his winter.

Falls = Seriously Bad Days

1 in 4 adults 65+ falls each year (≈ 14 million people). Falling once doubles your chance of falling again (cdc).
In 2021, falls caused >38,000 deaths in U.S. adults 65+, the leading cause of injury death for this group; emergency departments recorded ~3 million fall related visit (cdc).
About 300,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures each year- most from falls (cdc).

Bottom line: Falls are serious, common, and preventable.

The Baja story: where and how falls happen here

Tile floors, tight bathrooms, patios, pets, sandals- it’s a vibe, but also a risk. Start here:

Bathroom

Add non-slip mats inside/outside the shower; grab bars beside the toilet and shower seat.
Watch the shower “curb”- that raised lip is a frequent trip point.
Pre set good lighting (overhead + vanity), keep towels and toiletries within arm’s reach to avoid twisting.

Bedroom

Clear a path to the bathroom; remove loose rugs and cords.
Install motion night-lights or under the bed LED strips.
Keep stable shoes (closed heel, non-slip sole) by the bed; avoid soft backless slippers.

Living areas

De-clutter walkways, secure cords, stable, high-contrast edges on steps/thresholds.
Pets: schedule “zoomies” outside before bedtim, tidy toys, consider a baby gate at night, and keep nails trimmed.

Outdoors & patios

Solar or motion lights on paths/steps.
Use non-slip tape on tile edges and ramps; add a handrail where possible.
Sweep sand/gravel that makes tile slick.

Footwear (yes, sandals count)

Choose flat sandals with a back-strap, firm sole, and good traction; avoid wedges/platforms/heels.
Indoors: closed-heel shoes with non-slip soles beat socks or flip-flops.

SOS when you need it

Wearable alerts: Medical-alert buttons/keychain alarms (monitored or self-dial) can signal help fast. In the U.S., typical monitored plans run about $20–$34/month plus ~$10 for automatic fall detection- there are devices with coverage in Mexico just check before buying.
Phones & watches: iPhone/Apple Watch have Emergency SOS and fall detection that can auto-call help and notify contacts. Make sure it’s turned on and contacts are set.

PT = strength + balance (the proven fix)

Exercise programs that target balance, functional strength, and gait reduce falls for older adults; tai chi and PT-guided balance work have particularly strong evidence. Our physical therapists can build a Baja-friendly routine (think: 10–20 minutes, minimal equipment) to improve ankle/hip strength, reaction time, and confidence.

Medical root causes you shouldn’t ignore

A fall is a symptom, not “just age.” We often find:

Medication side effects (sleep aids, anxiety meds, BP meds, some pain meds).
Dehydration/electrolytes, vision/hearing changes, neuropathy, low B12, orthostatic hypotension.
Foot pain, inner-ear/vestibular issues, cardiac rhythm problems.

If there’s been a fall, schedule a consult with our geriatric internist, Dr. Mercado to investigate and treat the cause, not just the bruise.

Why trained nurses & caregivers matter

A skilled nurse/caregiver can:

Re-set a bathroom safely, cue for slow turns and hand support, supervise showers, and practice safe transfers.
Monitor med side effects, hydration, skin integrity, and early signs of infection or delirium.
Keep the daily exercise plan on track and adjust the environment as needs change.

Had a recent fall—or a near-fall? Book a root-cause consult with our internist and geriatric specialist!
Want eyes on your home? Request our Home Fall-Risk Safety Visit (nurse + PT). We’ll leave you with a customized fix list and a simple exercise plan.

Falls aren’t inevitable. With the right plan, your loved one can stay safe, strong, and independent in Baja.

REMEMBER- Falls aren’t “just part of getting older.” They’re warning lights we can act on, today- with small home fixes, the right shoes, a focused strength & balance plan, and a medical review to find the root cause. If you or someone you love has had a fall or a near-miss, don’t wait for the second one. Our bilingual team can come to your home, make it safer in one visit, and coordinate with your geriatrician and your family to build a plan that protects independence.

Brittany Helene Baker, RN, BSN, CDCP

Founder & Director, East Cape Home Health (Los Barriles, BCS)

Email: info@EastCapeHomeHealth.com